Hear What the 2011 Society Fellows had to say about the Fellows Institute

The third class of Society Fellows traveled to Washington, D.C., recently for the Fellows Institute. The 10 high school teachers received program management training and participated in an intensive week of workshops on guiding students in scientific research. Here are just some of their thoughts on the experience:

“Through the conversations with the guest speakers and other Fellows, I will be able to avoid several potential pitfalls and gain unique perspectives on what we are trying to accomplish. The lessons and resources gained would have taken years to acquire separately. Through the lessons I have learned, the SSP Fellows Institute positions my students for success in their research projects.”
-Jonathan Wetherington, Brookwood HS, Suwanee, GA

“I came away from the institute feeling that I was really part of a team. We really got to know each other and felt comfortable bouncing our ideas off of each other.”
-Julie Olson, Mitchell Senior HS, Mitchell, SD

“Without a doubt, I feel tremendously fortunate to have worked with such a unique, motivated group of educators. I can only hope that I can contribute to the development of the youth scientific community such as they have and, undoubtedly, will continue to do so…. I feel exceedingly more empowered, not just from a standpoint of guiding student research to more rigorous levels in the District of Columbia, but also, personally and professionally. ”
-Travis Hartberger, McKinley Technology HS, Washington, D.C.

“The group was one of the most talented I have worked with in a long time. Everyone has done something amazing.”
– Kathryn Hedges, Hammond HS, Hammond, Indiana

“I think the main thing the institute forced me to think about was all the details and effort that it takes to build a successful program…Working through the [Project Management Plan] makes me realize that I need to plan a lot up front and continue working to build relationships, follow-up on leads, and reflect on things that work and things that do not.”
-Chris Campbell, Simsboro HS, Ruston, LA